SENSE - 89 Hastings Avenue

89 Hastings Avenue is a small residential care home currently supporting four adults with sensory, physical, and learning needs. The service focuses heavily on promoting independence, choice, and inclusion, allowing residents to live as ordinary and fulfilling lives as possible. Staff do not wear uniforms, and the overall atmosphere is designed around the personal goals and preferences of each individual. Relatives consistently describe the home as an amazing place where their family members thrive, noting dramatic positive changes in residents' confidence, health, and social lives since moving in.

When it comes to safety, the home takes an innovative approach by creating personalized picture and video safe guides using British Sign Language to help residents understand safety and speak up about concerns. Staff carefully balance protection with positive risk-taking, such as sourcing mobile hoists and assessing new activities like rock climbing to ensure residents can enjoy holidays and hobbies without limitations.

The care provided is exceptionally effective, leading to outcomes that exceed expectations. Staff utilize specialized communication aids and tailored health programs, resulting in remarkable milestones such as significant weight loss, increased physical fitness, and the ability to swim long distances through structured healthy living plans.

The caring nature of the staff is evident in the deep, genuine relationships they build with residents. Relatives frequently praise the team for knowing their loved ones intently, eliminating past isolation, and treating residents with profound respect and genuine passion.

Responsiveness is demonstrated through deeply personalized care plans and flexible daily routines tailored precisely to what residents want to do, from attending late-night clubs to choosing their own support staff via matching tools based on shared interests.

Finally, the service is exceptionally well-led, featuring a transparent culture where incidents are thoroughly investigated, staff actively reflect on daily activities through learning logs, and continuous improvements are driven by dedicated staff champions who research best practices.